CB1100 as first bike?

[PowderToastMan_imp]

Funny, I'm surprised at how many people are recommending the CB1100 as a first bike. Would those same people recommend the CBR600RR as a first bike? Probably not. Here's a fun statistic though:

2011 Honda CB600RR 0-60 mph - 3.4 seconds
2013 Honda CB1100 0-60 mph - 3.3 seconds

[url=http://www.zeroto60times.com/Motorcycle-0-60-mph-Times.html]Source

The CB1100 may be smoother and not a 13500RPM redline screamer, but it's a big heavy bike with a huge amount of torque. As a new rider, you will make mistakes, no different from the rest of us. You'll grab too much brake in a corner, or downshift without matching revs, or pin the throttle for fun and come into a corner too hot. Sure, you could learn on a CB1100 and not do any of these things, but when you do make one of these mistakes, smaller bikes are much less punishing.

For the record, I started off on a Honda CBR125R and then a Suzuki GS500. I've botched parking lot maneuvers on both those bikes and come close to dropping them, but was able to manhandle them upright before it was too late. The CB1100 would likely be a different story due to the weight. The GS500 is a very good first bike, along with the Honda 500's, or the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Enough power to keep up with traffic and keep you interested, but lighter and more forgiving.

That's pretty interesting. It definitely takes me quite a bit longer than that to get to 60, but I guess I'm just really easy on the throttle? I've never pinned it.

[Elipten_imp]

Honestly I love the CB 1100, but as a first bike it will depend on you self control, physical strength and etc, but I would not recommend it. Start with a used 250, or a 500. When you have a couple thousand miles and dropped the bike and other dumb stuff to learn, the you will be ready. While no super bike, the 1100 is no slouch, too much for a true beginner.

And as far as being top heavy, not compared to by BMW K75RT!


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[Pauley]

I rode for a few years in my late teens early 20's then took about 25 years off. Other than the Honda Rebel 250's we putted around on in the basic motorcycle class I took last year, that was the extent of my experience before I bought my CB1100. Other than the drop dead beautiful styling I think the CB1100 has, I like it because it can be docile when you want it to be and will get up and move when you need it. It handles smoothly at slow speeds and handles beautifully at higher speeds. I have not yet tapped in to probably half the power the bike has. I ride slowly and carefully - I have 525 miles on the CB1100 under my belt now. Just having fun with it. When manhandling the bike when my feet are on the ground I try to think a few steps ahead and concentrate on the center of gravity of the bike and keep it upright. I'll keep my fingers crossed - it's worked so far!

If you're a grown up and are past those risk taking years, I say go for it and get the bike you know you really want.

[rboe]

Ya, top heavy is not something I'd accuse the CB of being. I've been on and owned too many truly top heavy bikes.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

I'm conservative and careful. Admittedly a lot of this depends on your age, conditioning and particularly your size but I'd start off smaller then the CB1100.

You can pick up a used Honda Rebel for less then two grand and ride it for a couple months and sell it for a couple hundred dollars loss (or maybe even no loss) and get your feet back on the ground. WHY TAKE A CHANCE if there is any question at all?

If you would drop that new CB1100 it's going cost you a ton more money the plan A.

Isn't a question of can you but should you. Honestly it could easily work well either way but if you have ANY concerns start small.

I've been in and out of the bikes a couple times and I've always started back slowly. At 67 the next time out will be the last. Probably soon I'll just keep my Vespa and be happy if I can do that much. Life requires concessions.

[Red Mist_imp]

Not a good idea. Many will say, sure, take it easy and you'll be fine.

The bike is 540 pounds and while 88 HP may not sound like much in these times of 180 HP superbikes, it's a hell of a lot of power for new rider. So is 540 pounds of weight you've got to control with skill, finesse, and lots of planning ahead.

Honda's got a whole slew of excellent bikes for new riders and the CB1100 is not one of them.

Or, you can start your flight training in a P-51 Mustang...and repeat after me: "torque roll..."

[CaptainAwesome_imp]

I'll admit I didn't read though all four pages, so if it's been covered forgive me.

I'd seriously recommend taking the MSF course. It was the BEST $50 I ever spent. Not only will you have a safe place to get your skills back, but you'll make sure they are correct and be able to change them easily if they are not.

Be sure to upgrade your gear, it has come a very, very long ways. Check out SHARP for helmet reviews (they test brain injuries, DOT or EDC doesn't), look into armored gear that stuff will save your bones, heck they even make jeans that won't explode in a crash (Drayko jeans are the only ones I would recommend, they are actually CE rated and do amazing against abrasions. Still need to outfit armor with them though). Expect a good $1500 or more for a good set of gear. If you have an old helmet, it's no good anymore. They have a shelf life, the materials start to break down inside after 5-7 years. And modern ones are much lighter and much, much safer.

As far as the bike goes. Yes if you're responsible you will be able to control it under normal circumstances, however I would explore the realm of a panic. If you hit a bump and your hand slips and the bike launches forward, how much is too much for you to keep control? If you slam on the brakes by accident, can you honestly let go if it locks up (look into ABS, it will save your butt in that happening), can you hold the bike up, can you hold it up if you slip on gravel and loose your footing? Can you lift the bike up if it falls over? Can you do so without hurting yourself? (be honest on that one)

If you can, you'll be ok. If you're iffy about it, maybe you just need time with it, maybe you need a different bike. That one is going to be up to you to decide. But as far as the gear goes... I'd use google images and look up what happens when you don't have proper gear verse having it. Even a 3/4 helmet is a bad idea in my opinion, least when compared to a full helmet. Heck, they even make airbags in gear now. You can walk away if you have full gear, without it, if you live, you might never be able to ride again. All the gear all the time (ATGATT) keeps you riding and keeps you healthy. And modern gear has many options, you can look fully retro and still be as safe as possible. They've come a long, long, long ways. And if you're still not convinced to get full gear, just remember you loose 1mm of skin in abrasion for every mile you are going over 30mph in a crash. I've seen people literally grind off their butt. Just think about that for a minute. To the bone.


Ok, enough stressing that point.

I will admit the first bike I rode was a XL1200 Sportster. Not a good choice, but I'm a big guy, I was able to keep it from falling as I learned. The torque is what pulls it out from under you, the horsepower is what gets your MPH up too high. That would be a good second bike but not a first, but I managed because it was what was available to me (borrowed it, which in all fairness did cause me to be even more careful when riding it). You might be able to ride a gear or two higher to adjust to the torque if you're not used to it, but I'd want to get used to it very quickly. It will get you in trouble very fast.


I guess to sum up, ATGATT, and if you can handle the bike in a panic situation weather it's hitting the gas too hard, the brake too hard, having it slip and fall out from you, then you're ok with it as a choice. If not, maybe get a smaller one to get back into the groove. And the MSF course is a really, really good idea.

[SanPete_imp]

I would so buy this bike!

Send it over, Honda!


Did third quarter buy the CB? Where are the pictures?



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[Elipten_imp]

My that is pretty! I want one!


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[CaptainAwesome_imp]

Looks a lot like the Honda 919